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New Brunswick Vehicle Registration –

Requirements, Fees & Renewal Guide (2026)

Need to register a car in New Brunswick or renew your license plates?

Whether you’re buying a new vehicle, moving to the province, or completing a renewal, this 2026 Service New Brunswick (SNB) registration guide covers everything: required documents, fees, renewal steps, license plates, inspections, and insurance requirements.

Updated for 2026 with the latest Service NB registration fees and renewal rules.

How to Register a Car in New Brunswick (Step-by-Step)

All vehicles driven on New Brunswick roads must be registered through Service New Brunswick (SNB). Registration requires proof of insurance and a valid safety inspection.

Steps to Register a Vehicle in New Brunswick

  1. Complete a Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) at an authorized station.
  2. Obtain valid New Brunswick auto insurance.
  3. Visit a Service NB office in person.
  4. Provide the required documents (see below).
  5. Pay registration fees and applicable HST.
  6. Receive your registration certificate, license plates, and validation sticker.
  • Valid driver's licence or government-issued ID
  • Proof of valid auto insurance (pink slip)
  • Vehicle ownership documents – bill of sale, title, or transfer form
  • Motor Vehicle Inspection certificate (valid for 36 days)
  • New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) for new vehicles
  • Payment for fees and HST (15%)
  • VIN check report (recommended before registration to confirm no liens, theft, or accident history)

New Brunswick Vehicle Registration Fees (2026)

Vehicle Type (by weight)
Annual Fee
Passenger vehicle (0–1,000 kg)
$61
Passenger vehicle (1,001–1,200 kg)
$77
Passenger vehicle (1,201–1,400 kg)
$91
Passenger vehicle (1,401–1,600 kg)
$108
Passenger vehicle (1,601–1,800 kg)
$123
Passenger vehicle (1,801–2,000 kg)
$142
Passenger vehicle (2,001–2,200 kg)
$162
Passenger vehicle (2,201+ kg)
$189
Motorcycle
$43
Travel trailer
$37
Hardtop/tent trailer
$30
Standard license plate
$50
Personalized plate
$175
Conservation plate
$57
Vehicle transfer
$20

Additional cost: 15% HST on the purchase price or Canadian Red Book value (whichever is higher).

Before paying, it’s smart to run a New Brunswick VIN Check Report to confirm the vehicle’s history.

Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration in New Brunswick

If you’ve moved to New Brunswick, you must register your out-of-province vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency.

Steps for Out-of-Province Vehicles
  1. Complete a Motor Vehicle Inspection at an authorized station.
  2. Clear any liens from the previous province.
  3. Obtain New Brunswick auto insurance.
  4. Provide Import Form 1 and proof of compliance with Canadian standards (if imported).
  5. Register at a Service NB location with the required documents.
Residency Requirements

To register a vehicle in New Brunswick, you must: • Have a primary residence in the province • File income taxes in New Brunswick • Hold a valid NB driver’s licence • Spend most of your time in New Brunswick

Visitor Exemption

Non-residents can operate out-of-province vehicles for up to 6 months without New Brunswick registration.

New Brunswick License Plates

Standard Plates
  • Red and white "New Brunswick" design
  • Rear plate only (since July 2019)
  • $50 per plate
  • Annual sticker renewal required
Personalized Plates
  • Cost: $57 initial + annual renewal
  • Replacement: $58
  • 2–7 characters allowed
Conservation Plates
  • Cost: $50 initial + $40 renewal
  • Specialty designs available
  • Supports environmental programs

How to Renew Your New Brunswick Vehicle Registration (2026)

Vehicle registration must be renewed annually before the expiry date. The registration year runs April 1 to March 31.

Renewal Steps
  1. Service NB mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiry.
  2. Choose a renewal method: online, in person, or by mail.
  3. Provide current registration and proof of insurance.
  4. Pay renewal fees.
  5. Receive your updated registration certificate and validation sticker.
Residency Requirements
  • Online: Through the Service NB website (most vehicle types).
  • In person: At any Service NB location.
  • By mail: Send in renewal notice and payment.
Grace Period

A one-month grace period is available, but late penalties may apply.

New Brunswick Vehicle Safety Inspections

A Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) is required for all used vehicles before registration.
  • Must be completed within 36 days of registration.
  • Conducted at authorized garages, dealerships, or SNB-approved stations.
  • Typical cost: $55–$65.
  • Covers brakes, suspension, steering, tires, lights, and structural integrity.

VIN Check & Vehicle History Reports

Running a New Brunswick VIN Check before registration helps confirm:
  • Ownership and authenticity
  • Accident and collision history
  • Liens or financial claims
  • Theft records
  • Recalls and odometer accuracy

A VIN history report protects you from registration delays, legal disputes, and hidden costs.

Insurance Requirements in New Brunswick

Insurance is mandatory to register a vehicle.

Required Proof

  • Valid pink slip (proof of insurance).
  • Policy from a licensed New Brunswick provider.
  • Coverage must include minimum liability and accident benefits.
  • Insurance must be in the registered owner's name.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in New Brunswick

  • 15% HST is applied on the purchase price or Canadian Red Book value, whichever is higher.
  • Paid at the time of registration.

Family Gift Exemption

Vehicles transferred between immediate family members are exempt from HST if:

  • A Family Gift Affidavit is completed.
  • Supporting ID is provided.
  • Both parties are immediate family (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild).

Quick Tips for a Smooth Registration

  • Complete your MVI within 36 days.
  • Ensure insurance is active and matches the registered owner.
  • Bring multiple payment options.
  • Clear outstanding fines before renewal.
  • Keep registration certificate and sticker in your vehicle at all times.

Special Vehicle Types in New Brunswick

  • Antique Vehicles: $19 annual fee, limited-use requirements.
  • Farm Vehicles: Reduced rates for agricultural use.
  • Commercial Vehicles: Fees based on gross vehicle mass.
  • Diplomatic Vehicles: No registration fee.
  • War Amputee Vehicles: $2 annual fee.

Service New Brunswick Locations

Office Hours

Most locations: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (some with extended hours).

Available Services
  • Vehicle registration and renewal
  • License plate issuance
  • Title transfers
  • Temporary permits

Find the nearest location on the Service New Brunswick website.

Final Checklist Before Registering Your Vehicle

  • Register a used vehicle: within 14 days of purchase.
  • Register an out-of-province vehicle: within 90 days of residency.
  • Motor Vehicle Inspection: valid for 36 days.
  • Insurance must be active before registration.
  • Clear all fines before renewal.

Ready to register?

Start with a New Brunswick Vehicle History Report to confirm your car’s history and avoid costly surprises.

Contact Information

General inquiries and office finder

Service New Brunswick

Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM

Motor Vehicle Branch

Available at Service New Brunswick website

Online Services

On the SNB site

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